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They plan to up traffic warden patrols in areas of nuisance parking in some parts of the city - and fine those who cause unnecessary obstructions to pedestrians or other road users.

Cars parking on the pavement in Alfred Road, Handsworth

Coun Rosa Battle, executive member for the environment, said: “Drivers are asked to park responsibly as we recognise that inconsiderate parking can blight local communities and cause a danger to pedestrians.

“We are working to increase the number of visits by parking officers in areas where residents have highlighted persistent problem parking.

“These officers will enforce against pavement parking where ‘no parking’ restrictions - which cover both pavements and verges - are in place and we have the legal powers to do so.

“We are seeking further powers from Government to help reduce instances of illegal and dangerous parking.”

The move comes after the Local Government Association (LGA) - which represents all town halls - said all councils in England and Wales should be given blanket powers to fine drivers for parking on the pavement.

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In London, councils have been able to fine pavement parking drivers for years but the LGA is urging these powers to be extended across the country.

Some councils in Greater Manchester have welcomed the move - although others say punishing drivers is just not viable.

Tameside Council, for example, said some roads required footpath parking to allow access for traffic.

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Some councils said obstructive parking was still a matter for local police to handle.

Bolton Council said it can only take action against vehicles parked on the pavement if there are already existing parking restrictions, or if a vehicle is parked over a dropped crossing point.

A spokesman for Trafford Council said: “Until such time powers are devolved from the police to enforce this type of parking, matters of obstruction and dangerous parking/driving are the responsibility of the local police.”

Salford City Council said it did not issue fines to cars parked with wheels on the pavement, unless it is next to a double yellow line or single yellow line.

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Wigan Council issues advisory leaflets to cars parked on kerbs, paths or verges in non-restricted zones.

Steve Reay, head of highways at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “At the moment, councils don’t have the power to fine drivers who park on pavements and grass verges. We can only enforce if there are existing restrictions on the road, such as double yellow lines.

“If we were given the power to fine people for parking on pavements, it is something we would consider.”

Stockport , Oldham and Bury did not respond to the M.E.N.’s request for a comment on the matter.

What is the current law on parking on pavements, kerbs and verges?

Residents are fed up with cars being left on their street (Image: Manchester Evening news)

Councils can fine motorists for kerb parking where vehicles are causing an obstruction, or if they leave their car next to yellow lines.

Local authorities can also use traffic regulation orders to ban pavement mounting in specific areas - but that takes a lot of time and red tape.

In London, councils have been fining pavement parking drivers for 40 years. Motorists are banned from leaving their cars on kerbs unless a London borough has given them permission to. The LGA is calling for the rest of England and Wales to follow suit.

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The Highway Code states:

“You MUST NOT park partially or wholly on the pavement in London, and should not do so elsewhere unless signs permit it.

“Parking on the pavement can obstruct and seriously inconvenience pedestrians, people in wheelchairs or with visual impairments and people with prams or pushchairs.”

A spokesman for the AA suggested that the Highway Code guidance DOES give councils scope to deal with problem parking, including pavement parking.

The spokesman said: “The rule is there. At the moment councils have to balance that rule with pedestrians who need to access pavements, but they also have to be mindful of people’s requirement to park their cars near to where they live.”